Aurora mayor, police chief test positive for COVID-19

AURORA – The Kane County Health Department confirmed today that Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release.

Under stern advice from the health department, both were tested last Saturday after an Aurora police supervisor tested positive for COVID-19.

“We are examples that COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate, and we will continue to use our public platforms to express to everyone in Aurora how critically important it is for each of us to do our part,” Irwin stated in the release. “Follow the science. Follow the rules. Behave as if you already have it. Stay home. Save lives.”

The mayor’s last public appearance was March 20 during a media briefing at Aurora City Hall, the release stated.

“I am thankful for the health experts and their recommendation for testing. I am not certain when I contracted the virus, but I was able to curb any further community spread by self-quarantining and not going about each day with business as usual, albeit with social distancing,” Irvin stated in the release.”

“While I’ve experienced some serious flu-like symptoms this week, I’m feeling much better and looking forward to making a full recovery,” Irvin stated in the release. “As we know, this isn’t the case for everyone and that’s why we all must take this so seriously. I am imploring our community to stay at home. The only way to beat this is by working together. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.”

Ziman and her command staff began self-quarantining on the morning of March 21, following the recommendations after the police supervisor was tested for COVID-19 the prior evening, the release stated.

She and her team have continued to lead the police department remotely while awaiting results.

Ziman had begun to experience some mild symptoms and on Thursday evening and was notified that she tested positive for COVID-19.

"I am doing well and have continued working utilizing video and conference calling with our team at the Aurora Police Department and at the City every day to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and our department and city operations," Ziman stated in the release.

“This is an all-hands-on-deck effort. We've taken steps to protect our officers and practice social distancing, but this virus is here and we need everyone's help to stop the spread,” Ziman stated in the release. “Our officers have answered the call and are not standing down in these times of uncertainty. They are the real heroes and my number one mission remains to keep them safe and healthy."

Immediate family and staff members of both Irvin and Ziman have been notified and are taking precautionary measures, the release stated.

Their work areas at City Hall and at the Aurora Police Department were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected last week.

The CDC mandates at least a 14-day quarantine period for positive cases from the date of the initial test.

During the next week or so, both the mayor and police chief will continue to work with the City’s COVID-19 Task Force from their homes.

“The public may never know all of the other names and faces of those who have COVID-19, most of whom will recover, just as we expect to do,” Irvin stated in the release.

The city of Aurora's COVID-19 resource site is updated daily at www.aurora-il.org/health.